Sam Cosmi contingency plan weighing heavily on Commanders HC Dan Quinn

Dan Quinn and his staff have a big decision to make.

Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Dan Quinn has several important decisions to make before the NFC Championship game. None are more vital than compensating for Sam Cosmi's loss.

A mainstay throughout the good times and bad over the last couple of years, the Washington Commanders won't have Cosmi this weekend at the Philadelphia Eagles and way beyond that. The stud right guard tore his ACL plowing a running lane for Brian Robinson Jr. in their Divisional Round triumph over the Detroit Lions. That is the worst possible news heading into another battle with Jalen Carter.

The former first-round pick out of Georgia is arguably the league's best interior defensive lineman. Carter is a one-man wrecking crew capable of taking over any game when in the mood. Washington not having their best lineman available is a body blow.

Quinn is taking the entire week of practice to see what the best formula is for his protection in front of rookie phenom Jayden Daniels. Given the high stakes attached to this weekend, there will be some tinkering at practice — in secret, away from prying eyes — using several combinations before deciding on an outcome.

Dan Quinn will explore all options before deciding on Commanders' OL contingency plan

The Commanders cannot get this wrong. Quinn acknowledged the good job Trent Scott did filling for Cosmi at Ford Field. However, that doesn't mean he'll get the nod if there is a better solution to improve Washington's chance of another upset on the road.

"Let's give a quick shout to Trent [Scott] for coming in and really being somebody that can handle that. But yes, that is absolutely how we go about it. And that would be there or at any spot, like what I was saying earlier, what's the best thing for us to win this game? And then that is all there is. And so, yeah, that's really where we're at."
Dan Quinn via Commanders.com

Most analysts and beat writers believe Andrew Wylie will kick inside to the right guard spot, leaving veteran Cornelius Lucas on the edge. Michael Deiter also has experience as a guard. The same goes for Brandon Coleman, although the rookie third-rounder is coming on impressively at the left tackle spot and should be kept on the blindside.

Regardless of which combination the Commanders use, stopping Philadelphia's vaunted 3-4 defensive front will be challenging. Carter is the biggest threat, but his ex-Georgia teammate Jordan Davis is a phenomenal nose tackle. Milton Williams cannot be taken lightly either, so it's a tricky conundrum Quinn and his offensive staff must solve effectively.

Daniels is much healthier than the last time he played at Lincoln Financial Field after fully recovering from his rib issue. The Commanders also beat the Eagles in their last outing, although quarterback Jalen Hurts went out early with a concussion. It's a fine-margin situation with a Super Bowl appearance at stake. And the fact this is a storied division rivalry makes it even better for fans.

Quinn is leaving his options open. He'll know by now who his starting five offensive linemen are. Although that won't be revealed until the first snap on Sunday shortly after three o'clock.

The Commanders better get it right. Any false moves in this critical area of the field come with significant ramifications attached.

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